The No. 1 ranked Division II Bobcats faced the No. 6 ranked Division I Lago Vista last Friday night and held off to win 28-12.

This victory has been brought to you by the letter ‘D’, for defense. The Bobcat defense rose to the challenge in this early test of the season and slowed a very good offensive team in the Vikings.

“This is exactly what we needed at this point of the season,” said Head Coach Jason Herring. “There’s a reason they’re the number six team in Division I, and there’s a reason we’re the number 1 team in Division II.”

The Bobcat offense jumped on the scoreboard quickly and often in the first half. The first score came in just over a minute after kickoff with quarterback Travis Quintanilla tagging Dana Franklin on a 19-yard touchdown reception.

Running back Draigon Silvas would extend the Bobcats lead to 14-0 before the end of the opening period but not before the Viking offense was pounded by the Bobcat defense, keeping Lago Vista scoreless. Defensive standouts included Alex Coronado, Devon LaFrance, and Jack Gumm.

In the second quarter’s opening seconds the Bobcats struck with Draigon Silvas rumbling into the end zone on a one-yard run to strengthen the lead. The Vikings would answer with a score of their own halfway through the period but could not capitalize on extra points, making the score 21-6 going into the halftime break.

The third quarter of the game was scoreless but entertaining as a defensive showdown brewed for the entire period.

On the opening kickoff placekicker Adolfo Cordero, who was perfect once again on point-after TDs for the night, recorded his first tackle ever, taking down the Viking returner.

Bobcat defenders who would also make their mark included Jim LaFond, Tyler Castellano, John Wesley Shipp and Cameron Sternadel.

“Our players responded well to this tough team,” Herring said.

The Vikings would shorten the gap even further with an early touchdown in the final period and the Bobcat ‘D’ would deny them the two-point conversion, leaving the score 21-12.

The Bobcat offense responded in kind on a 49-yard, eight-play drive that would end with Chase Whetsel marching into the end zone from 12 yards out to seal the deal 28-12.

The Bobcats will enjoy a week off to prepare for their district opener in Jack Sportsman Bobcat Stadium.

The Bobcats will take on the Rivera-Kaufer Seahawks Friday, Sept. 28. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.